Clinical thermometer.



L. e; HEGNER. cumcAL THERMOMETERI.

APPLICATION FILED NOV-16.1917.

Patented Apr. 1, 1919.

Wi Wmm LAWRENCE GRANT HEGNER, OF MAN, WEST VIRGINIA.

CLINICAL THERMOMETER. I

Specification of Ijetters Patent.

Patented Apr. 1, 1919.

Application filed November 16, 1917. Serial No. 202,358.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, LAWRENCE G. I'IEGNER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Man, in the county of Logan and State of West Virginia, have invented new and useful Improvements in Clinical Thermometers, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a clinical thermometer and the object is to provide means for retaining the instrument and maintaining the same in an antiseptic condition at all times.

A further object is to provide in connection with a thermometer of the type indicated a receptacle adapted to receive antiseptic fluid, the neck portion of the thermometer tube constituting a stopper or closing device for contact with the inner surface of the neck of the receptacle.

A still further object is to provide in connection with a thermometer of the type indicated a neck portion constituting a stopper and adapted to receive asleeve of flexible material for engaging the inner walls of the neck of said receptacle, and an extreme end portion constituting a handle or the like by which the thermometer may be inserted or withdrawn from the receptacle.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, the invention consists in the novel construction, combination and arrangement of elements hereinafter described and claimed.

In the drawings Figure 1 is a View in side elevation of the receptacle inclosing the thermometer; Fig. 2 is a View in vertical section; Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the thermometer, with the stem or neck portion thereof for retaining the in-' strument within the receptacle.

The receptacle adapted to receive an antiseptic fiuid is designated 10 and may be of about the proportions shown in the drawings, the receptacle being provided with a neck portion 12 the inner surface of which Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the constitutes a bore of uniform diameter for the reception of that portion of the thermometer constituting the stopper.

The thermometer is shown at 14: and is provided with a neck portion 15 of somewhat greater diameter than the main portion of the thermometer, this element 15 constituting a stopper as indicated, and being provided with an annular rib or the like designated 16 for retaining in position a suitable sleeve of soft rubber or other flexible and elastic material, this sleeve being shown at 17 and extending from annular rib 16 to the lower portion 18 of the handle member 20. This handle constitutes a thumb member and is provided with flattened sides permitting the easy withdrawal of the thermometer and the insertion of the latter in receptacle 10. By the use of a device of the character indi cated the thermometer is maintained in an antiseptic condition at all times, and a suitable protecting casing is at the same time provided.

What is claimed is:

A thermometerincluding a main portion and a neck portion having a diameter greater than that of the main portion of the thermometer, said neck portion terminating in a thumb member, an annular rib surrounding the thermometer at a point between the portion of greater diameter and the main portion, and said thumb member providing an outwardly extending portion adjacent to the opposite end of the neck portion, a sleeve of elastic material surrounding the neck portion and engaging the annular rib, and a receptacle receiving the thermometer and provided with a neck portion the walls of which are engaged by the sleeve, said rib insuring the outward movement of the sleeve when the thermometer is removed.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

LAWRENCE GRANT HEGNER.

Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. 0. 

